I had a lot of time to fantasize about my future and prospective living situations, and the idea of a vegan, eco-friendly, ethical household was appealing to me. So when I met my now-fiancée and the topic of moving in together came up, it was apparent that some compromises were going to have to be made on someone's end. The compromises didn't come without some heated discussions. While having these conversations with my fiancée, it occurred to me that a lot of my choices that tried to incorporate ethical consumerism were a lot about boycotting. I decided that from now on, instead of focusing exclusively on cutting things out of my shopping list, I'll do things that support causes I believe in instead.

I am a non-smoker who is stuck living in a smoky rental house. Sinus problems and health risks aside, I have a sensitive nose and would just like to smell something else for a change. Does anyone have tips to minimize the smell other than Febrezing the crap out of everything?

I love my family very much, but when I moved away in 2006 I wasn't looking back. I loved the freedom and thrived on being independent. Then financial disaster struck. I realized that my whole life was about to be packed up in boxes, and my marriage was about to be squeezed into a 5-by-5 bedroom in my parents house.

My husband, our two closest friends (who are married to each other), and I all live in an apartment building that has recently been purchased by an Evil Property Management Company. We aren't bound by a long-term lease, so we're considering moving out — all four of us together. Has anyone else lived as a couple with another couple, or been an introvert living in intentional community? What made it work? What made it hard?

I currently live in a house with four roommates and our lease is up at the end of October. Here's our problem… Everyone wants to stay in the house, but none of us want to stay with our one roommate. The other three of us want to kick her out, but we aren't sure how to without backlash. What is a good and formal but polite way to tell her she isn't wanted anymore?

Hey, welcome to Offbeat Home & Life, the sister site of Offbeat Bride and Offbeat Families. We're all about supporting you as you create a space in this world where you feel comfortable. Got a story to share? Email us!